Manchester United flew out to the club’s pre-season tour with a host of young stars looking to impress boss Jose Mourinho in the United States – with Alexis Sanchez noticeable by his absence.

With a number of United’s big-names, including Marouane Fellaini, David de Gea, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku still on holiday after the World Cup, Mourinho has a beefed up his selection with a host of the club’s most talented teens.

Sanchez had begun training at Carrington last week and is is expected to join up later, as Mourinho looks to get the Chilean as fit and fresh as possible for the start of the season.

Martial, 22, fell out of favour after Sanchez’s arrival in January and it is a make-or-break few weeks for the Frenchman; unless United bring in another attacker, he is unlikely to be allowed to leave before the transfer window closes.

Alexis Sanchez was out and about in Chester(Image: Eamonn and James Clarke)

Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling both have big opportunities(Image: Eamonn and James Clarke)

Another for whom it is crunch time is Luke Shaw.

With Ashley Young having ended last season as first-choice, Shaw will get the opportunity to prove he has a future at the club – at a time when questions over his long-term future continue to rage.

United kick off their tour against Mexico’s Club America on Wednesday night.